Shoulder implant

US5108440A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• S & G Implants GmbH · US

Inventors

• Hans Grundei · Lübeck, DE
• Ugo de Nicola · Bad Mergentheim, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 25, 1990
• Grant date: Apr 28, 1992
• Expiry date: Jul 25, 2010

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61F2310/00011
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A shoulder implant for correcting a recurrent shoulder dislocation comprises a one-piece metal member at least part of which is open-celled in nature to simulate spongiosa of a bone. The use of the shoulder implant makes it possible to dispense with the removal of an implant of bone from the tibia or the pelvis which has been customary hitherto. Moreover, the intrinsic mechanical strength of the shoulder implant is responsible for a considerable reduction in the length of post-operative treatment. The open-celled nature of at least part of the shoulder implant in imitation of the spongiosa makes it possible for the bony matter of the scapula to anchor itself biologically in the implant, thus preventing the implant from coming loose.